The development of a Pastor is an ongoing process which involves many contributing factors: family of origin, home church, personal spiritual experiences, formal theological and ministry training, internship positions, denominational interaction, and pastoral experiences in other churches. A new place of ministry exposes the Pastor to a unique set of experiences which make their own significant contribution to his growth.
1. Preaching - Teaching
The Pastor's most widely observable ministry takes place during worship services. The Senior Pastor is the lead preacher/teacher, and any substitutes are provided by his request or approval. He seeks to base his messages on a responsible interpretation of the Bible, relating Scriptures to everyday experiences in order to encourage faithfulness with regards to Christian beliefs and practices.
Each week, in order to prepare for his preaching teaching ministry, the Senior Pastor spends four mornings and one evening in prayer and study. He accepts the responsibility of planning the order of service, always giving opportunity for the Holy Spirit to guide. During the services, he attempts to be sensitive to the needs of the attending congregation, and gives opportunity for others to be involved in leadership. The Pastor frequently invites people to gather at the front of the sanctuary to pray for forgiveness, healing, enabling, and the infilling of the Spirit, and gives members of the congregation opportunities to pray for one another. The Pastor also speaks at meetings conducted by various ministries within the Church.
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2. Pastoral Care
The Senior Pastor provides opportunities for individuals to meet with him for short-term counsel in order to address personal, emotional, spiritual, family, vocational, or church related issues. This is normally done during afternoon hours, but occasional evening hours are provided; group counseling is also offered. He requires up to six sessions for those seeking to be married by him, and offers counseling to married couples. Even if there is an Assistant Pastor for Personal Care, the Senior Pastor also visits with members who are seriously ill or grieving. Upon request, he conducts marriages, funeral services and baby dedications; and provides baptism for adult believers, communion services, and preparation of candidates for church membership.
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3. Leadership
The Senior Pastor leads the congregation towards an understanding and acceptance of their Biblically inspired and Holy Spirit confirmed vision, and guides the church toward the fulfillment of that vision. He provides general oversight for all Church ministries, guiding church volunteer leaders and paid staff members towards the maintenance and development of their ministries. His goal is to encourage and promote a well balanced ministry program including: inspirational worship; healing and personal care; responsible financial management; maintenance and development of building facilities; Christian education of children and adults; fellowship opportunities; missions and outreach programs for evangelism and care for the needy. Specifically regarding "cell" groups, the Pastor provides approval, training and direction for these groups and their leaders.
On a daily basis the Senior Pastor provides leadership for the church staff, although at his discretion some of this responsibility is delegated to appropriate staff members. In consultation with Deacons or Elders, and at times, Assistant Pastors, the Senior Pastor oversees: the hiring and terminating of staff members; the negotiating of job descriptions and salary arrangements; the implementation of a staff Policy Manual and an annual salary/wage review process. The Senior Pastor conducts meetings with his staff for prayer, discussion, and planning, and meets with Assistant Pastors and other specified staff members. His personal secretary takes care of his appointments, correspondence and telephone contacts, and accomplishes tasks assigned by him. Whenever the Senior Pastor is away, he apprises the Elders or Deacons of his absence, and appoints leadership and ministry for all services; his designated Assistant Pastor is kept aware of his whereabouts, and the Senior Pastor keeps in touch on a regular basis so that he can be apprised of emergency situations or special needs.
The Senior Pastor normally leads meetings for Members, Elders or Deacons, Ministry Review Committee, Nominating Committee, and combined meetings of leadership groups. He is an ex-officio member of all committees and boards, and provides personal interest and advice as to how church leaders may be fulfilled in their respective places of service. The Senior Pastor assigns portfolios to individual Deacons, taking into account their concerns, gifts, and interests, as well as the needs of the church.
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4. Ministry Outside of the Church
After consultation with Elders, Deacons, or other appropriate committees and individuals, the Senior Pastor involves himself in certain outside ministries such as missions trips, speaking engagements, denominational participation, and representation of the Church in community events or organizations.
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5. Accountability and Counsel
The Senior Pastor is primarily responsible to the Lord, and approaches his ministry with seriousness, conviction, and integrity, realizing that he must some day stand before the Lord. In the fulfillment of his ministry, the Pastor is also accountable to the various boards and committees for those ministries and tasks which he and they believe to be consistent with the vision the Lord has given for the church, and an expression of God's Will. He is also accountable to the elders of the denomination, and to the membership of the Church. The Senior Pastor seeks counsel and evaluation from Elder, Deacon, and Ministry Review groups, denominational officials, and personal counselors. Regarding financial matters, the Senior Pastor teaches Biblical principles of giving, provides leadership for the formation of an annual budget, and has the prerogative to authorize expenditures up to a predetermined limit.
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